8/6/2019 Is It True You Asked the Kelveys in to See the Doll

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Is it true you asked the Kelveys in to see the dolls house, Kezia?, said Mrs Burnell. Controlled as her

tone was, her anger was thinly veiled, simmering beneath the surface of her featureless visage, like

boiling water held back by a pane of glass. Standing stoically before her mother, out of earshot of

the visitors, Kezia nodded slowly. She became aware of Isabel and Lottie, who had taken advantage

of the brief respite in the visitors adoration to slyly peek around the doorpost. A wicked grin flitted

across Isabels face. Kezias heart sank. Surely Isabel would be discreet enough to keep this affairfrom becoming common knowledge? But no, as Kezia stood there and received further scolding

from her mother, not really listening, but just standing resolute, it became clear that the Burnell

children would not relent. For really, this opportunity was just too good to pass up.

The next morning, as the Burnell children walked to school, Kezia was the picture of solemnity. The

thick buttercups that had seemed so warm and welcoming were now an impediment to Kezia,

seeming to have a mind of their own as they caught on her dress and stockings. It felt like years ago

that Kezia had stood and watched as Isabel had whispered to her friendswith such pride about their

new dolls house. It was fun hiding from people, in Isabels opinion, and Kezia felt like doing just that

as they fell into line, Isabel veritably vehement as she hissed into the ears of her surrounding

brethren, Got something else to tell you at playtime.

A melancholy reminiscence settled over the playground as Kezia relived the steps taken so many

days ago. Though walking with her sisters, there seemed to hang in the air between Kezia and Isabel

an indefinable barrier of hostility, as if she was with them and yet completely separate. Girls huddled

around the Burnells, swarming to sample the latest juicy morsel of gossip. All except the Kelveys.

They alone looked on from a distance. They alone had a look of dread and remorse as the throng

glided over the grass to the pine trees that now loomed so forbiddingly over the playground. The

girls closed in. The news came out. A great gasp burst forth. A dozen pairs of eyes piercing, stabbing,

drilling into her; Kezia considered shrinking away, shrivelling up into the form of some

inconsequential worm in the ground. For that is, isnt it, the wish of any individual who has been

disgraced beyond belief [?] Eyes sweeping past a gap in the ranks, Kezias gaze locked with a familiarowl-like stare: our Elses rueful scrutiny. Bracing herself, Kezia resolved to keep to herself for the rest

of the day. Not, indeed, that any of the others would sit near her.

Why did you do that, Isabel? Kezias voice rang above the cacophony of sounds assaulting them

along the path of their buggy ride home. Of course Isabel may be the eldest and is therefore entitled

to certain powers, but is that really any reason to label her youngest sister? The truth being, of

course, that Isabel hates a good story wasted. You showed the Kelveys the dolls house when

Mother said you shouldnt. Kezia, feeling less patient than normal after the dirty looks, the stares,

the upturned noses, sank into a sulk, wanting to forget the whole thing.

Psssst! A sibilant whisper shattered the evening calm. Swinging once more on the courtyard gate,Kezia looked around in surprise. There, hiding in the bushes, was our Else, her owl-like eyes eerie as

they reflected the remaining daylight. Head glancing side to side, plainly not comfortable being

there, our Else stole up to the gate, whispering as she went. Can I... could I see the little lamp

again? For the first time that day, Kezia broke out in a smile. Of course you can. And as the two

shadows flitted around the edge of the courtyard, Kezia knew today had been worth it after all.